Novartis starts leadership camp for students

27 Aug 2013, BioSpectrum Bureau , BioSpectrum

Singapore: Novartis invited 60 selected students from leading international universities in 21 countries to its headquarters in Switzerland for the International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp). Over the course of three days, students will gain first-hand experience of starting a biotechnology company as well as developing and launching innovative healthcare products. This year's BioCamp focuses on the company's innovation efforts in new business approaches to the healthcare industry.

Mr Joseph Jimenez, CEO, Novartis, said that, "With the aging population and increases in chronic disease around the world, demand for healthcare will continue to grow, well into the future. This will require innovative solutions as more healthcare systems focus on improving patient outcomes.

As Novartis innovates in healthcare, BioCamp underscores our commitment to creating a unique learning environment for young entrepreneurs. This program enables us to forge ties between the healthcare industry and young talent from top universities. We believe this fosters the fresh thinking required to develop truly differentiated products and services with real-world outcomes."

BioCamp is part of the Novartis commitment to supporting the exchange of ideas and thoughts between young talents in science and business and the company. Top students will meet with leading scientists and members of top management at Novartis including, Dr Rolf M Zinkernagel, a Nobel Laureate and member of the Novartis board of directors, and Professor Susan Gasser, director, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, among others.

BioCamp students will also interact with Novartis scientists and executives who lead the company's approach to drug development and learn about new breakthrough medicines to address patients' unmet medical needs. The program is designed to help students understand trends and challenges in the biotechnology and life science.